Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Construction has begun on a modern, fit-for-purpose laboratory wing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, backed by significant investment by the Albanese Labor Government.
The Albanese Government unashamedly backs Australian science, providing an additional $387.4 million for the CSIRO in the last Budget, on top of its nearly $1 billion annual funding allocation.
This investment in critical infrastructure will strengthen Australia’s scientific capability to detect, investigate and respond to emerging disease threats, protecting human and animal health, agriculture, trade and the broader economy.
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness is a cornerstone of Australia’s biosecurity system, providing the specialised scientific capability needed to detect and respond to some of the most significant disease threats facing Australia.
The importance of this capability is underscored by the H5 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak, with the ACDP providing emergency animal disease testing services for governments.
The refit will be delivered in two stages, allowing the ACDP’s critical diagnostic and research work to continue throughout construction.
Stage 1 is expected to be completed in 2029, when selected ACDP activities will relocate into the new wing, and Stage 2 refurbishment can begin. The facility will continue to operate under its rigorous regulatory, safety and security requirements throughout the project.
Modern facilities underpin world-class science, and investing in the ACDP strengthens Australia’s research capability and its defences against future disease and biosecurity threats.
Quotes attributable to Member for Corio Richard Marles:
“Geelong’s Centre for Disease Preparedness is one of the world’s leading facilities for research into infectious diseases and we are proud to be backing its vital work.
“The upgrades to the Centre will support Australian scientific research, detection and response — measures which are vital to our nation’s security.
“It’s also great news for local jobs and the growth of our economy here in Geelong.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:
“The Albanese Government backs Australian science and the scientists and researchers whose work makes our country stronger and safer.
“The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness is a scientific capability of enormous national importance. The outbreak of bird flu demonstrates exactly why Australia needs the expertise and facilities to detect and respond quickly to serious disease threats.
“That’s why we’ve invested to upgrade the ACDP’s critical infrastructure, backing the CSIRO and its scientists to continue the world-class research that protects Australians, our agricultural industries and our economy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:
“The CSIRO is home to some truly amazing scientific minds and we’re so incredibly fortunate to have the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness right here in our region.
“This investment means local scientists will have the modern facilities they need to do their important work, protecting our communities, our farmers, and our agricultural industry from serious disease threats.
“The Albanese Government is backing the people that make such a real difference, both here in our region and for so many people across Australia.”